The Second Anschluss Flashcards
Why did Hitler want to invade Austria?
It would help Hitler with his aim of uniting all German people into one big Reich. 96% of Austrians were German speaking, might welcome union as had experienced economic problems after treaty of St.Germain.
When Hitler ordered the Austrian Nazi Party to cause trouble, what happened?
The Austrian government banned the Nazi party and began trying to stir up feelings of Austrian patriotism.
How did Schuschnigg defy the Nazis further?
He organised a plebiscite for 13th March 1938, where he would ask the Austrian people whether they wanted to unite with Germany or not.
How did Hitler respond to this plebiscite and why?
He sent troops to the Austrian border in an attempt to get Schuschnigg to back down. He was worried that the plebiscite might go against him because Schuschnigg had set the minimum voting age to 24 (younger voters more likely to vote for Hitler.)
After declaring that the plebiscite would be fraudulent what did Hitler do?
He issued Schuschnigg with an ultimatum, demanding that he hand power over to the Austrian Nazis or face an invasion.
What did Schuschnigg do in reply to this ultimatum?
He appealed to Britain, France and Italy for help but none were forthcoming.
When Schuschnigg resigned who came to power?
Seyss-Inquart a Nazi.
What did Seyss-Inquart do?
He invited Hitler into Austria to restore order.
When did Hitler invade?
12th March 1938 by invitation.
How was he greeted?
Enthusiastically - 200,000 gathered to meet the Führer when he arrived in Vienna.
When did Hitler arrive in Vienna?
2nd April.
Although Hitler had annexed Austria, what made it difficult to resist?
He was asked to invade.
Why could they have been easily stopped if the Austrians didn’t want them?
The army he sent were very weak.
Why was this attempt be more likely to succeed?
He had already achieved success in the Rhineland, already built up his armed forces, had Mussolini sign the Rome-Berlin Axis in 1936, had seen the failure of the League of Nations.
